Toyota Avensis Saloon (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 20 January 2009

Last Updated: 21 February 2011

Toyota's Avensis has struggled to stand out in a highly competitive market of large family cars. As people downsize into smaller cars, models such as the Avensis, along with favourites like the Ford Mondeo, have been forced to move upmarket. As a result they're better value alternatives to premium-badge cars like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. For the 2009 model, Toyota has dropped the hatchback version of the Avensis, perhaps in line with this loftier image (Volkswagen doesn't offer a Passat hatchback, nor Honda an Accord hatch). The Avensis looks rather more elegant than its predecessors and the interior quality is as good as any other in this class. Other notable highlights include impressively low carbon dioxide emissions from the 2.0-litre diesel and excellent overall refinement. There are few thrills to be had though.

4 out of 5

Other Toyota reviews

3.5 out of 5

Buying new

It's usually quite difficult to get much of a discount from Toyota main dealers unless a car is about to be replaced by a new model, while cars like the Avensis rarely turn up at car supermarkets. Comparing like-for-like with similar-size alternatives, the Avensis appears good value, although a bigger discount is likely on cars like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, so there would probably be little to choose in terms of how much cash you hand over to the dealer. The TR and T4 specification offer excellent levels of equipment for the money.

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4 out of 5

Buying used

The diesel versions will be more expensive on the used market, but don't overlook the excellent 1.6-litre petrol. It may seem small but is very economical for a 130bhp engine and has low emissions too.